What is Bibliotherapy?
An Introduction to Supporting Kids with Storytelling
Have you ever finished reading a book and felt like it somehow understood exactly what you were going through? Or maybe you’ve watched your child connect deeply with a character who was facing similar challenges? If so, you’ve experienced the power of bibliotherapy—and you might not have even realized it.
What Exactly Is Bibliotherapy?
Bibliotherapy is the practice of using books and literature as a therapeutic tool to help people work through emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Think of it as counseling through storytelling. When we read about characters navigating difficult situations, we often find comfort, insight, and new ways of understanding our own experiences.
This approach can be especially powerful with children, who naturally connect with stories and characters in ways that can help them process complex emotions and situations they might struggle to articulate on their own.
Why Books Work So Well for Kids
Reading aloud to children offers countless benefits beyond just entertainment. It strengthens the parent-child bond, supports development, and nurtures a lifelong love of learning. But when we use books therapeutically, something even more magical happens.
Children’s books used in bibliotherapy can:
- Provide comfort during difficult times
- Normalize experiences that might feel overwhelming or isolating
- Validate feelings that children might not know how to express
- Teach coping skills through character examples
- Spark imagination and creative problem-solving
- Build empathy by showing different perspectives
- Develop social skills and emotional regulation
Perhaps most importantly, books give parents a natural way to bring up challenging topics. Instead of having an awkward conversation out of nowhere, you can explore feelings and solutions alongside beloved characters. Children often find it easier to talk about what a character is experiencing before opening up about their own similar feelings.
Perfect for Back-to-School Season
With the school year upon us, bibliotherapy can be incredibly helpful for easing those back-to-school jitters. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or just feeling nervous about a new grade, the right book can make all the difference.
Here are some tried-and-true favorites that tackle school-related anxiety:
For the Nervous Newcomer:
- “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg
- “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn
- “The Night Before Kindergarten” by Natasha Wing
For Building Confidence:
- “The Koala Who Could” by Rachel Bright
- “We’re All Wonders” by R.J. Palacio
- “The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson
For Managing Big Feelings:
- “The Color Monster” by Anna Llenas
- “Ruby Finds a Worry” by Tom Percival
- “The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!” by Mo Willems
For Social Situations:
- “Strictly No Elephants” by Lisa Mantchev
- “Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney
- “David Goes to School” by David Shannon
It’s Not Just About Reading—It’s About Talking
Here’s the key: bibliotherapy isn’t just about reading a book and calling it a day. The real magic happens in the conversations that follow. The story serves as a springboard for deeper discussions about feelings, experiences, and solutions.
Try asking questions like:
- “What do you think this character is feeling right now?”
- “Have you ever felt the same way?”
- “What would you do if you were in this situation?”
- “What advice would you give this character?”
- “How do you think the story will end?”
These questions help children process their own experiences through the safe lens of storytelling.
Getting Started with Bibliotherapy
Ready to give bibliotherapy a try? Start by thinking about what your child might be dealing with—whether it’s anxiety, friendship issues, big life changes, or just everyday emotional ups and downs. Then explore books that address those topics.
The wonderful thing about children’s literature today is its incredible diversity. You can find books that tackle everything from everyday worries to more serious challenges like grief, illness, or family changes. The key is choosing books that are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level.
Where to Find the Right Books
Not sure where to start? Your local library is a treasure trove of resources, and librarians are often incredibly knowledgeable about books for specific situations. You can also search online for curated lists—organizations like the Child Mind Institute, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Reach Out and Read, and Catalyst Kids offer excellent book recommendations organized by topic.
The Bottom Line
Bibliotherapy isn’t a replacement for professional help when it’s needed, but it’s a wonderful tool that every parent can use to support their child’s emotional well-being. Books have an incredible power to help us feel less alone, more understood, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
So the next time you’re snuggled up for story time, remember: you’re not just reading a book—you’re opening up a world of healing, understanding, and connection. And that’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?
References
Kris, D. F. (2018). Why reading aloud to kids helps them thrive.
Lenkowsky, R. S. (1987). Bibliotherapy: A review and analysis of the literature. The Journal of Special Education, 21, 123-132.
Rizza, M. (1997). A parent’s guide to helping children: Using bibliotherapy at home. The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented.